Since its launch back in October 2021, FlashForge’s Creator 4 3D printer has carved a niche for itself in the commercial-grade market space.
As the highest-performance system in the FlashForge portfolio, the IIDEX (Interchangeable Independent Dual Extruder System) FFF 3D printer is aimed squarely at design, engineering, and manufacturing firms seeking both functional prototyping and end-use production.
According to FlashForge USA, its latest machine has seen impressive adoption rates in a wide variety of sectors such as consumer goods, electronics, healthcare, and manufacturing tooling, demonstrating the printer’s commercial production capabilities. This marks a notable shift from the firm’s previous target markets, which include the consumer, educational, and prosumer verticals.
The Creator 4 is available in two different models – the Creator 4-A and Creator 4-S – each with its own pair of extruders and material capabilities.
A commercial-grade build
FlashForge’s Creator 4 was built with productivity in mind. The system features a sizable 400 x 350 x 500mm build volume, giving users plenty of space for both large part and small-batch production runs. Unlike a traditional dual extrusion setup, the IDEX gantry allows for the use of both printheads at the same time, doubling the throughput potential of the 3D printer.
To enable the processing of higher performance filaments, the Creator 4 also has an enclosed build chamber that can be heated to 65℃. This helps to keep the printed parts from contracting and warping, and is crucial for filaments that require warmer environmental conditions such as ABS and PA.
Looking at the printer’s frame, it’s clear FlashForge has placed a major focus on robustness. The Creator 4 offers a full stainless steel body with a new S-type motion control system for smoother starts and stops, preserving high print quality. There’s also a set of linear-rail leadscrews for the X and Y axes, further improving the stability of the motion.
On the software side, the Creator 4 features a dedicated filament management system that automatically controls the temperatures according to the material being used. Additional features include a HEPA 13 active carbon air filter for safe indoor use, a 7” touchscreen on the front, and a built-in camera for remote build monitoring.
Your choice of two models
The Creator 4 prides itself on its flexibility and versatility, with an interchangeable IDEX setup that enables users to leverage their own choice of extruders. For example, the Creator 4-A model comes complete with two Extruder-HT printheads that offer a nozzle temperature of 320℃ and a maximum print speed of 200mm/s. This variant is best suited to printing engineering filaments like PC, PA, and PP.
On the other hand, we have the Creator 4-S model, which comes with two Extruder-HS printheads. It sports a higher nozzle temperature at 360°C, and is required for printing parts made of carbon and glass fiber-reinforced composites.
There’s also a third, standalone printhead on offer (the Extruder-F), which packs a 265°C nozzle temperature and a maximum print speed of 100mm/s. It’s designed specifically for flexible filaments such as TPU and TPE.
It’s worth noting here that FlashForge’s IIDEX system is highly interchangeable. At any given time, users of any model are able to substitute out their default extruders for any of the three types (HS, HT, F) depending on their material requirements. The versatility and adaptability of the IIDEX system are what make it so powerful for commercial customers.
Technical specifications and pricing
Below are the technical specifications for the FlashForge Creator 4 3D printer. Readers interested in purchasing the system can request a quote for the Creator 4 here.
| Creator 4-A | Creator 4-S | |
| Build volume | 400 x 350 x 500mm | 400 x 350 x 500mm |
| Extruder | IDEX – Extruder-HT | IDEX – Extruder-HS |
| Nozzle diameter | 0.4 – 0.8mm | 0.6 – 0.8mm |
| Nozzle temperature | 320°C | 360°C |
| Chamber temperature | 65°C | 65°C |
| Print speed | 200mm/s | 150mm/s |
| Bed temperature | 120°C | 120°C |
| Touchscreen | 7″ | 7″ |
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Featured image shows the Creator 4 3D printer. Photo via FlashForge.
